asked the First Lord of the Admiralty why the Admiralty refuse to hold the inquiry regarding store-housemen which wa6 suggested by the Arbitration Court in 1919 in order to ascertain the relative position of these men; and when the post-War complement decision will be made operative?

It was not considered that an inquiry would serve any useful purpose, as the organisation of the Royal dockyards is dissimilar to that of War Office establishments. The post-War complements of the storehousemen are still under consideration.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if, in view of the extension already made and the possible further extension of the system of general messing in the Fleet, he will consider the desirability of the promotion of additional cook ratings to warrant and commissioned ranks with a view to ensuring both greater efficiency in catering and a reduction of waste?

The present number of warrant officers and above in the cookery branch is sufficient to meet requirements, and the Admiralty do not consider it necessary to increase it.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether it is intended that ratings who transferred from seamen, stokers, and marines to the recently-formed supply branch shall count their seniority for advancement to chief petty officer, petty officer, etc., from the date of their original advancement to petty officer, leading seaman, etc., or their equivalent, providing they meet other requirements?

The answer is in the affirmative.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Admiralty the age limit for establishment of workmen employed in the Royal dockyards; and under what Regulation authority is given to the Admiralty to place a workman upon the establishment after he has reached the specified age?

Workmen entered in a hired capacity before reaching the age of 40 are eligible to be established up to the age of 50. Special exceptions in regard to age may be made under the authority of Clause 7 of the Order in Council dated 10th January, 1910, relating to the home Civil Service.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether, in relation to the case of Captain W. J. Chilcott, quartermaster of the South Irish Horse, he will explain in what respect Captain Chilcott's services as quarter- master were part-time services; whether he is aware that in fact Captain Chilcott devoted the whole of his time in pursuance or his contract with the commanding officer, in accordance with the observations of that officer referred to in War Office letter 91/Irish Horse/132 (F. 4), dated the 15th August, 1912; whether the Department accepts liability for services rendered in pursuance of such contract; whether he is aware that Captain Chilcott performed the duties of acting adjutant of the South Irish Horse until disbandment of the regiment on the 3rd May, 1922: and, that being so, what is the justification for depriving him of payment for services rendered subsequent to the official disbandment of which service the Army Council have had the benefit?

Captain Chilcott's services as quartermaster of the South Irish Horse were part-time services in the sense that (except during mobilisation when he received the full Army pay of his appointment) the official duties of his post were not sufficient to occupy the whole time of an officer, and the War Office letter of 15th August, 1912, to which the hon. Member refers, does not in any way imply that this was a whole-time appointment. The salary of £100 was not a direct liability of Army funds, but was chargeable against the grants made by the War Office to the regiment for administrative purposes; and the War Office could not accept liability, under any contract between the commanding officer and Captain Chilcott, for the continuance of his salary during a period when his regiment had no active existence and therefore had no grants out of which the salary could be paid. For such duties as Captain Chilcott performed during this period he has received, as I have already stated, a special payment of £75, which is considered to be adequate.

asked the Under Secretary of State for War, why temporary officers are still being employed in the Ordnance Department, while regular officers of artillery, attached to that Department, have been retired under the Geddes and other schemes?

Certain temporary officers are still being employed with the Royal Army Ordnance Corps in order to meet the shortage of officers trained in the special duties of that corps. Their services will be dispensed with as regular trained officers become available. An option of similarly remaining temporarily with the Royal Army Ordnance Corps was offered to most if not all of the officers referred to in the question, and some of them accepted it. I do not know what are the "other schemes" referred to, but I am not aware that any other officers concerned have been retired except in accordance with the normal regulations as to retirement.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether his attention has been directed to the recently reported extravagance in connection with the Air Force; whether it is proposed at an early date to reduce the war pay of officers and permanent officials in the service of the Air Board; and what arrangements are being made to effect economies?

In answer to the first part of the question, I am at present considering the Report of the Select Committee on the Air Estimates, to which my hon. Friend no doubt refers. In answer to the second part, Royal Air Force officers are in receipt of the rates of pay fixed in 1919, but such rates are due for revision in 1924 and the basis on which this should be done is now under consideration. I may add that officers' allowances, which are in lieu of issues in kind (rations, fuel and light, etc), are frequently reviewed and adjusted to meet current costs. If by permanent officials my hon. Friend refers to the civil servants at the Air Ministry, they are in receipt of war pay only in so far as, in common with other civil servants, they receive cost of living bonus, which is frequently revised. As regards the last part of the question, the rates of pay of the fighting services and of the Civil Service are at present under investigation by the Committee of which Sir Alan Anderson is chairman, and the question of effecting any economies in other directions that may be practicable is under constant review by the Air Ministry.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he has considered the possibility of throwing open the catering at establishments like Cran-well to private tender; and, if not, whether he will do so to see whether any saving can thereby be effected on the present outlay?

The general experience of the unit messes of the Royal Air Force is that where a contractor is employed the cost of messing is slightly higher than where the unit itself manages the catering. At Cranwell there would be further difficulties in the way of the employment of a contractor in the shape of insufficiency of accommodation and the long breaks for holidays. I do not, therefore, think that economy would result from going to tender. I understand that at Woolwich and Sandhurst the system is similar to that now existing at Cranwell.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Admiralty whether it is intended to re view the basic rate of naval pensions awarded under the Jerram Committee recommendations of 1919; and, if so, whether this House will have an opportunity of discussing any proposed alterations affecting these pensions before such alterations are brought into effect?

The scale of long service pensions comes within the scope of the Anderson Committee, and until their report has been received and considered, I am afraid I can make no statement on the subject.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he is aware that a post-War naval invalid pensioner, invalided after 20 years' service, awarded a naval service pension in addition to 100 per cent. disability pension, has a percentage of his service pension deducted whilst undergoing treatment at a sanatorium, but that the war invalid pensioner has no such deduction made from his disability pension; that in each case the disability is recognised as attributable to service; and if he will explain the matter and the difference of treatment?

Awards in respect of disablement by service subsequent to the Great War are dealt with by the Service Departments, and questions affecting, such awards can only be answered by those Departments. If, however, the hon. and gallant Member has any case in. which a disability pension in respect of service in the late War is concerned, and will forward me particulars, I shall be happy to look into the matter.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that pre-War pensioners who are called up for examination by a medical board under the Chelsea Hospital Commissioners receive no payment for loss of time entailed; and whether he can make arrangements for such men to be paid on the same scale as men who are examined by a medical board under the Ministry of Pensions?

I have been asked to reply. I will look into the point which the hon. Member has raised, and will communicate with him further.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he is aware that G. A. Moore, of 15, William Street, Denaby Main, near Rotherham, late No. 19,952, private, Yorks and Lancaster Regiment, has been entirely unfit to follow his employment since his discharge on 8th September, 1916, after being invalided from Gallipoli with valvular disease of the heart; that medical board on 25th August, 1916, assessed degree of disablement at 50 per cent. and said disability was permanent, awarded 40 per cent. valvular disease of the heart; re-examined on 15th January, 1917, board stated disability was not permanent, nil per cent. for valvular disease of the heart; on 12th October, 1917, re-examined, board stated there is no organic disease of the heart, he is permanently neurasthenic, awarded 20 per cent. for valvular disease of the heart, treatment with full allowance from 12th June, 1918; re-survey board, 25th June, 1918, degree of disablement nil, awarded gratuity £19 5s. but never paid it, because man was on full allowances with treatment; on 23rd October, 1918, man admitted to hospital and discharged 1st January, 1919, with full allowances; and again re-examined on 19th February, 1919, disablement 20 per cent., but man remained on treatment with allowances up to 9th July, 1919; and later admitted to Stainbeck Hospital, Leeds, and discharged on 20th December, 1919, and terminated home treatment on 18th May, 1920; appeal tribunal refused pension and stated that the man suffered from neurasthenia which was neither due to nor aggravated by service; and, in view of this contradictory evidence and the fact that the man is absolutely unfit for work, will he order a re-hearing of the case?

This man is not now suffering from his accepted disability, but from an entirely different condition which the Ministry decided, after full consideration, was not connected with service. This decision has been confirmed, on appeal, by the independent Pensions Appeal Tribunal, and is now therefore final. I regret that in these circumstances the man is not, at present, eligible for any further compensation from my Department; but it is open to him to apply, through the local office of the Ministry, for the reconsideration of his case should the accepted disability grow worse. I am communicating further with the hon. Member.

asked the Treasurer of the Household how many appeal tribunals have been held in Sheffield; how often it is intended to hold them; and what areas are served by such tribunals?

One assessment-appeal tribunal has been sitting in Sheffield since Monday, 16th July, dealing with appellants residing within approximately a 20 miles' radius. Arrangements have been made for an assessment appeal tribunal to sit in Sheffield for two weeks in each month. This arrangement is subject to alteration according to the number of appeals received from that area.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the fact that German manufacturers are offering for sale stockings at 1s. per pair as pure silk and artificial silk; whether he is aware that, upon being chemically tested by the Silk Association, these stockings were found to be mercerised cotton; and whether, under the circumstances, he will take steps to prevent fraudulent description of goods by importers?

The facts mentioned in the question had not previously been brought to my notice, but if my hon. Friend will send me full particulars I shall be glad to consider what action can be taken.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that sulphate of ammonia for export from the Clyde is not being weighed and checked, and that sealed samples are no longer taken; and whether, since this is contrary to custom, he proposes to take action in the matter?

The official control of the export of sulphate of ammonia, which was instituted during the War, is now at an end. The export is, accordingly, subject only to the ordinary Customs Regulations, and I have no reason to think that these Regulations are not being observed. The hon. Member appears to be referring to certain trade arrangements, over which the Board of Trade have no control.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will, before coming to a decision as to the protection, by an import duty, of the manufacture of motor tyres in this country, cause an inquiry to be made into the balance sheets and profit and loss accounts, and the general management of the various companies interested in this industry, and the more especially into the circumstances of those companies promoted, formed, and reconstructed in the years 1919 and 1920?

Due consideration will be given to all relevant factors before any decision is taken on this matter.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the percentage of our exports and also our imports to and from the various countries of the world for 1921, 1922, and the six months of 1923?

Separate figures giving the value of exports from the United Kingdom to 115 foreign countries and 61 parts of the British Empire and of imports into the United Kingdom from each of these countries, for the years 1921 and 1922, will be found in the accounts relating to trade and navigation of the United Kingdom for January, 1923. Similar particulars relating to the first six months of 1923 will be published in the Trade Accounts for July, 1923, which will be issued in about a fortnight. Percentage figures are not included in these Tables. Their calculation would involve a good deal of clerical labour, and the result, if printed in the OFFICIAL REPORT, would cover many pages. In these circumstances perhaps my hon. Friend will find his purpose sufficiently met by the figures in the Trade Accounts; but if not, he might find it possible to specify a few countries or groups of countries for which percentages could be worked out.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the average value of our total imports and of our total visible exports for the last three years, and the estimated average value of our invisible exports for the same period?

The recorded values of imports and exports of merchandise and bullion during the last three completed calendar years have been as follow: Year Total Imports. Total Exports. Million £. Million £ 1920 2,005 1,662 1921 1,147 882 1922 1,053 883 Average 1920 22 1,402 1,142

The figures of imports here given include the value of diamonds imported from South Africa, which are not included in the official record of imports into the United Kingdom. The average value of diamonds shown in the South African records as exported to this country during 1920–22 was approximately £5,500,000 per annum. Estimates which were set out in some detail in the "Board of Trade Journal" for 29th March. 1923 (pages 384–6), show an excess of "invisible" exports over corresponding imports amounting to £595,000,000 for 1920 and £325,000,000 for 1922. Similar calcula- tions for the year 1921 were not made on account of the uncertain conditions prevailing in that year.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can give any details as to the trade agreement which has been signed between the Soviet Government of Russia and an American syndicate representing upwards of 30 firms, including the Ford Motor Company, the United States Rubber Company, and the American Tool Works Company?

I have received no informaton regarding such an agreement, but I will cause inquiries to be made.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the total value of exports to Germany and France, respectively, for the last six months and for the six months preceding the occupation of the Ruhr?

The total declared value of the exports of merchandise from the United Kingdom to Germany and France during the periods specified has been as follows: July—December, 1922. January—June, 1923. Exports £ £ £ To Germany … 24,605,268 31,185,248. To France … 30,662,517 37,312,241

From 1st April, 1923, exports, if any, from the Irish Free State to the countries named have not been included in the record.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is in a position to give the figures for the direct trade of the Irish Free State with countries other than Great Britain for the quarter ended 30th June, 1923; whether any arrangement has been made with the Irish Free State for the publication of these figures, so necessary for accurate comparisons of the periodic movements of trade; and, if so, when the-figures will be available?

It is understood to be the intention of the authorities of the Irish Free State to publish particulars of the trade between that State and other countries. I am not in a position to say when publication will begin.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the serious slump in the Bradford and Huddersfield textile trade and the continued bad trade in the Morley, Ossett and Batley textile trades; and if he can urge upon the various Government Departments using textile fabrics to advance any orders they may usefully need in 1924, so that the mills may have some chance of better trade and thus reduce the hardships that will arise from a fourth winter of bad trade?

I am aware of the depression of trade in the districts mentioned, but I doubt if action such as is suggested by the hon. Member would contribute materially to relieve the position. I will, however, bring the matter to the attention of the purchasing Departments.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can obtain and lay upon the Table of the House monthly Returns of the trade between Northern and Southern Ireland, with a view to facilitating comparisons between the trade statistics before and after April, 1923?

Careful consideration will be given to the hon Member's suggestion.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether the advantages of the Trade Facilities Act are extended to British manufacturers, merchants, and traders desiring to do business in Russia; and, if not, whether, in consideration of the improved relations between Great Britain and Soviet Russia, such facilities can now be extended to British manufacturers?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on the 10th July to the hon. Member for Dundee (Mr. Morel), of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will embody in a Schedule to the War Charges Validity Bill a list of the acts of Government Departments to which validity is intended to be given in the Bill, so that persons whose legal rights are affected may know where they stand?

I think that the White Paper, Cmd. 1843, will be found to give the information which the hon. Member desires. It hardly seems to me feasible to embody such particulars in a Schedule to the Bill.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to a paper read by Commodore C. A. Bartlett, C.B., R.N.R., before a meeting of shipmasters at Liverpool on 13th February last, entitled "Discipline in the Merchant Service"; and, if so, whether, in view of the insubordination which arises on merchant ships, especially the wholesale desertions of sailors and firemen at ports abroad, he proposes to take steps in amending the laws and Regulations as regards discipline on the merchant ships on the lines indicated by Commodore Bartlett?

My attention has been called to the paper to which the hon. Member refers, and the suggestions made in it will be considered.

asked the President of the Board of Trade, with regard to the amusement section of the British Empire Exhibition, whether he has knowledge of the amount of capital that has been called up in the company which has now been formed for this purpose; if the two gentlemen to whom the concession was granted are on the board of the company; if the amount of capital subscribed is sufficient to guarantee the success of the section; and is he aware that, whilst 30 per cent. of the gross takings are to be given to the exhibition, the concessionaires of the amusement company are demanding such high rates as 65 per cent. to 70 per cent. of the gross takings from sub-concessionaires, and that, owing to such high rates, some of the premier showmen in this country have refused to become sub-concessionaires?

I under-stand that the authorities of the British Empire Exhibition are collecting the information required by the hon. Member, and will communicate it to him.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the many cases in which men against whom an affiliation order has been made escape their responsibilities by going to another part of the Dominions, he contemplates recommending the early introduction of legislation in this country for the enforcement of affiliation orders in other parts of the Empire; and whether he contemplates recommending to the Dominions that they should introduce the necessary reciprocal legislation?

I have been asked to reply. It is questionable whether such legislation would in practice do much to prevent these evasions of responsibility, and, in any case, my right hon. Friend thinks it desirable to await further experience of the working of the Maintenance Orders Act of 1920 before considering fresh legislation on similar lines.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies in which of the Dominions reciprocal legislation has been passed which will enable the Maintenance Orders (Facilities for Enforcement) Act, 1920, to be applied to them?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary gave to the hon. Member for North Lambeth (Mr. Briant) on the 1st May. Reciprocal legislation has also been passed by the Union of South Africa.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies when British forces will evacuate Iraq?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the statement of policy made by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on the 3rd May, to which I have nothing to add.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of labour representatives not being afforded full opportunity to give the views of the workpeople and trade unions on the advisability of the Workmen's Compensation Act being made applicable to Gibraltar, steps will be taken by his Department to obtain the opinions of the workpeople, seeing that they are opposed to the recommendations contained in the Report of the Committee?

The Secretary of State will give full consideration to any representations on the subject which may be addressed to him through the Governor by trades unions or other persons in Gibraltar.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if the British Government now recognises the Mexican Government?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Under- Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government are still carrying on negotiations with the Russian Soviet Government to obtain an equitable settlement of the British claims for confiscation of property in Russia; and whether in this matter His Majesty's Government are acting in association with France and our other Allies?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative, and the second part, therefore, does not arise. I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given by the Prime Minister to one of the hon. Members for Dundee (Mr. Morel) on the 18th of June last.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he can make any statement as to the present position of negotiations on the subject of the future of Tangier?

The informal conversations between the British, French and Spanish experts, which are not negotiations in the usual sense of the word, but are directed solely to agreeing upon a basis of discussion for a conference between representatives of the Governments concerned, have been postponed to a date provisionally fixed towards the end of next month. Until these conversations have been resumed, and their outcome is known, no statement can usefully be made.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether negotiations are still proceeding with the German Government with the object of inducing that Government to permit the resumption of through sleeping accommodation being provided on the service between London and Berlin and Paris and Berlin; how far the negotiations have proceeded, and when the through accommodation is likely to be resumed?

As regards the service between London and Berlin, I understand that through sleeping accommodation is provided by the Flushing route. As to the Berlin-Paris-Ostende route, I would refer to the reply I gave to the hon. Member on 13th June last. So far as His Majesty's Government are aware, no breach of Treaty has been shown to have occurred, and no negotiations between His Majesty's Government and the German Government have taken place. The hon. Member will recognise that, in existing conditions in the Ruhr and occupied Rhineland, there may be difficulties as regards through traffic by that route.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the fact that the last day for lodging claims for inclusion in the autumn register is the 10th of August, he can now say whether women heads of colleges and other women, 30 years of age, who have, for the whole of the qualifying period, occupied land or premises forming part of the University of Oxford, or are the wives of men who have so occupied such premises, are qualified to be registered as Parliamentary electors; and, if not, whether he proposes to take any, and, if so, what, steps to remove any special disability which prevents such women being entitled to the Parliamentary franchise as the same is now enjoyed by men occupiers of similar property and by women who are in similar circumstances in all respects except that the premises occupied by them or their husbands does not form part of the University?

My right hon. Friend has now made inquiries into this matter and finds that a technical difficulty, in the way of the registration of certain women, wives of heads of houses and others, as Parliamentary electors, has arisen as the result of the provisions of an old local Act. He proposes to exercise the power conferred on him by the Sixth Schedule of the Act of 1918 to remove the difficulty The Order will be issued immediately, and the registration officer for Oxford has been so informed.

asked the Home Secretary whether, before giving his approval to the appointment of a chief, or deputy-chief, officer of police who has not passed through the various grades, he will ascertain whether there were applications for the post from experienced police officers and satisfy himself that the appointment has been made with every regard to the best interests of the police service and the public?

My right hon. Friend will satisfy himself to the best of his ability that any person appointed chief constable is a fit and proper person for the post, and that his previous experience complies with the Regulation on the subject. Inquiry as to the previous experience of the unsuccessful candidates will, he thinks, be rarely, if ever, necessary. Deputy-chief constableships are held by officers of the rank of superintendent, and appointments to that rank are not subject to my approval.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can state, as regards the police of England and Wales, the number of men of all ranks who have completed 30, 25, 20, 15, 10, 5 and under five years' service respectively; and what number at each period are now engaged in patrol work and in other branches respectively?

This information is not available in the Home Office. To obtain returns from the several police forces would involve a good deal of labour, which I hesitate to impose upon the officers concerned.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that on Tuesday, 24th instant, between 11 p.m. and 11.30 p.m., a number of dock strikers returning from a march to Bickens's Field, Prince Regent's Lane, where they were to disperse, was charged by the police without warning; the number of people injured; if any were hurt who were not taking part in the demonstration; what cause, if any, the police had for such action; whether there have been any conflicts between the police and strikers other than on the 24th and 25th July; and if on both occasions the same inspector was in charge?

My right hon. Friend has already dealt with this incident in his reply to a question on the 30th July by the hon. Member for Plaistow (Mr. W. Thorne), to which I would refer the hon. Gentleman. I have no further information as to any persons who may have been hurt. There has been no con- flict other than those mentioned. Upon both these occasions the same inspector was in charge of the police.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the fact that organised attempts are frequently made to prevent all speaking at public meetings, as exemplified by recent by-elections at Mitcham and Central Leeds, he will consider whether the powers at present possessed by the police to prevent this practice are sufficient; and, if not, will he take steps to increase these powers so as to protect the right of free speech?

My right hon. Friend has considered the subject, but he does not see his way to make any proposals for legislation in regard to it.

asked the Home Secretary whether Inverness Lodge, Alton Road, Roehampton, is a place certified for the retention of a mentally unsound! person?

No, Sir

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the unavoidable delay in presenting the Pre-War Pensions (Increase) Bill until the autumn, be can give particulars of the scope of the Bill or give any information, to allay the anxiety of those concerned?

As I have already stated in reply to questions on this subject, I think it would be desirable to await the introduction of the Bill.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the present European situation, he will forthwith take steps to enable Parliament to be summoned during the Recess as occasion may require, and if a representative number of Members of Parliament desire it?

I can add nothing to what I have already said in reply to questions on this subject.

asked the Prime Minister if he can inform the House of the approximate cost to Great Britain entailed by military and diplomatic undertakings in connection with Turkey since the signing of the Armistice in 1918?

I regret that it is not possible at this stage before evacuation has taken place to give complete or accurate figures.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport whether he has had brought to his notice accidents arising as a result of drivers of commercial transport vehicles being exhausted by excessively long journeys; and whether he proposes to take any steps to control traffic of this character?

I am aware that a few accidents have been attributed, whether correctly or not, to the cause indicated in the question. In view, however, of the nature of the employment, I think great difficulties would arise in making effective Regulations.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport whether, in view of the heavy congestion of traffic so apparent in most towns of any importance and the increasing number of accidents arising therefrom, he will endeavour to expedite the proposed Bill to deal with road transport regulations and, before drafting such Bill, take into consultation all those concerned with the industry?

As I have already stated, I hope that an early opportunity will present itself of introducing a Road Vehicles Bill giving effect to many of the recommendations contained in the Second Interim Report of the Departmental Committee. In view of the careful and detailed investigation of the whole field of this inquiry carried out by the Committee, and of the opportunities given to those concerned to lay their views before them, I cannot undertake to re-open the inquiry in the manner suggested in the last part of the question, but when I am considering the Bill I shall be glad to consider any representations which may be made to me.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport whether he is aware that it is proposed to take a portion of the small holding, Nutberry, Grays, Essex, at present in the occupation of an ex-officer who has lost his pre-War employment as a result of a disability, due to war service, for the Purfleet and Tilbury road where it passes through the parish of Stifford, in the county of Essex, and that it was originally proposed to acquire the most valuable part of this holding without adequate compensation; and whether, if any portion of the holding is to be taken, he will arrange for the whole to be purchased so that the owner may purchase another parcel of land of sufficient size to enable the man to earn his livelihood?

It is not proposed to take any portion of the holding referred to in the question.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport if he proposes to take power to refuse to issue or to renew licences to motors or motor-cycles which are not fitted with efficient silencers and to coal using transport vehicles which are not fitted with smoke and spark preventers?

I cannot see sufficient justification for imposing on licensing authorities the duty of inspecting all these vehicles, nor do I think that such a step would be effective. It is for the police authorities to take action in connection with breaches of the law as and when they occur.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the Departmental Committee on Licensing and Regulation of Hackney Vehicles is unable to consider the question of collapsible hoods for motor omnibuses in the immediate future; and whether, in the circumstances, he will reconsider his decision with regard to the all-weather omnibus?

The whole question is one which presents many difficulties which, in my opinion, should be investigated by the Departmental Committee so soon as their present commitments permit. In the meantime, I consider that the decision referred to in the second part of the question should stand.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of the heavy fines imposed on drivers of public passenger-carrying vehicles as compared with those in the case of privately-owned motor oars, even where the driver may be a hardened offender; and whether, in view of the greater strain incurred by the former class of drivers, he will take steps by legislation or otherwise to impose lighter fines upon them?

I have no reason to doubt that Courts of summary jurisdiction use their discretion in passing sentence in the cases mentioned as in other cases that come before them, and it does not seem to me either desirable or possible to interfere with them in exercising their discretion.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that a large number of sanitary inspectors are receiving less remuneration than those paid to skilled artisans whose work the inspectors have to supervise; and whether in sanctioning the salaries to be paid to sanitary inspectors this point receives consideration?

All relevant circumstances are considered in sanctioning the salaries proposed for sanitary inspectors. I would point out, however, that the duties of sanitary inspectors as such do not involve the routine supervision of skilled artisans, that sanitary inspectors are paid yearly salaries and have some security of tenure, and that most of them receive a higher remuneration than is ordinarily earned by skilled artisans, even if they were continuously employed.

asked the Minister of Health what measures will he taken to secure that the friends, as distinct from relatives, of mental patients are made acquainted with their rights under Section 79 of the Lunacy Act, in accordance with the recommendation to post up this Section as given by the Cobbe Committee set up by his Department, seeing that the method adopted of circularising committees and relatives leaves the friends quite out of the question and has the effect of keeping them in intentional ignorance of their rights under the Act?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Pontypool (Mr. T. Griffiths) on the 12th March last.

asked the Minister of Health if he will instruct the Board of Control, in order to avoid the risk of any mental patient being deprived of his rights of appeal to a magistrate, to make a rule that in every case where no prejudicial certificate has been sent up to them a paper must be procured from the patient stating whether he desires or declines to make the use of that right; and will he obtain particulars from the Board of the number of instances in which they have instituted prosecutions for the admitted offence described in Section 8 of the Lunacy Act, 1890, as a misdemeanour?

It would not be practicable to make such a general rule as the hon. Member proposes, but the Board of Control have drawn the attention of the authorities of all institutions receiving private patients ot the requirements of Section 8 of the Lunacy Act, 1890, and have suggested to them the desirability of requesting patients, to whom a notice under Sub-section (2) of the Section has been given, to acknow- ledge its receipt in writing. They have further advised that if the signature of any such patient be unobtainable, the notice shall be endorsed to that effect. No instances have occurred in which the Board have thought it necessary to institute a prosecution for an offence under this Section.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware of the outbreak of small-pox at the New Edlington village, near Doncaster, where overcrowding is excessive; and, if so, what steps have been taken by his Department to keep the outbreak under control?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, I would point out that the responsibility for dealing with an outbreak of small-pox rests with the local authorities and their officers. My Department communicated with the rural district council and the board of guardians as soon as the first cose occurred at New Edlington, advising as to the steps which should be taken. The Department has the outbreak under observation, and there is no ground for supposing that the necessary measures are not being adopted.

asked the Minister of Health how many cases of small-pox have been notified in Great Britain since the recent outbreak; how many in South Yorkshire; and how many deaths, if any, have resulted?

I am not clear what is the exact period which the hon. Member has in mind. The number of cases of small-pox which have occurred in England and Wales during the 18 months ended the 30th June last is 2,200 of which 27 cases were fatal. The number of cases in South Yorkshire during the same period is 423, with one death. The figures included in these statistics for the first six months of the present year are subject to revision.

asked the Minister of Health whether, on 1st September, the form of statutory declaration of objection to vaccination contained in the notice of the requirements of the Vaccination Acts given by the registrar when a birth is registered is to be dropped; and whether, under a new Order to be issued on the above date, every parent wishing to get examption for his child is to be compelled to go to the vaccination officer for the form?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and to the second in the negative. The effect of the new Order. which has already been issued, is that from and after the 1st September any parent wishing to make a statutory declaration of conscientious objection to vaccination may obtain a form of declaration from the vaccination officer, or may make a declaration in the form prescribed by the Vaccination Act, 1907, or in a form to the like effect.

asked the Minister of Health if he has satisfied himself that the proposed new vaccination Order, which does not provide for the inclusion in the birth registration forms of a copy of the usual objection form, is within the requirements of the law; and, if so, what provision is to be made to fulfil Section 3 of the Vaccination Act, 1907, so as to enable objectors to use the proper form of statutory declaration?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, I may explain that the Vaccination Act, 1907, requires that a statutory declaration for the purposes of the Act shall be made in the form set out in the Schedule to the Act, or in a form to the like effect. The form, which will be obtainable from vaccination officers, will be the form set out in the Schedule.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in issuing the new vaccination Order, he overlooked the duty of his Department to place on the notice of the requirements of the Vaccination Acts, given at registration of birth, all the forms affecting parents given in the various Schedules to the Acts, including the statutory declaration of objection to vaccination; and whether he will explain his action in removing from Form A, given at registration of a birth, the form of statutory declaration which for 15 years has appeared on that form?

The hon. Member appears to be under some misappre- hension. The Vaccination Acts do not impose on my Department any such duty as is suggested in the question. I have decided to remove from Form A the form of statutory declaration prescribed by the Vaccination Act, 1907, in pursuance of the general power conferred on my Department by Section 15 of the Vaccination Act, 1871, which provides that the forms contained in the Schedule to the Act of 1867 may by Order from time to time be repealed, altered and added to.

asked the Minister of Health how many deaths from small-pox were registered from 1906 to 1920; how many chicken-pox deaths were registered in the same period; and whether, in view of the statement of the Registrar-General in his Report for the year 1889 that it was probable that most of the deaths registered as due to chicken-pox were in reality cases of modified small-pox, he will have the vaccinal condition of the deaths from chicken-pox stated on the death certificate, and also have such cases included in those of small-pox?

The particulars asked for are as follow: England and Wales. Deaths from Year. Small-pox. Chicken-pox 1906 … … 21 106 1907 … … 10 120 1908 … … 12 93 1909. … … 21 94 1910 … … 19 97 1911 … … 23 80 1912 … … 9 76 1913 … … 10 83 1914 … … 4 122 1915 … … 13 92 1916 … … 18 65 1917 … … 3 69 1918 … … 2 54 1919 … … 28 55 1920 … … 30 71

The suggestions in the last part of the question will receive consideration.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that there are large stocks of certificates with advertisements on the reverse side in the hands of some of the industrial insurance companies; and will he, in view of the strong exception taken by the medical profession to such certificates being issued, cause these stocks to be replaced by the new certificates which are now being printed?

The hon. Member has been misinformed. Certificate books are issued to insurance committees and not to approved societies. A new supply without advertisements will be available shortly, but I cannot undertake to withdraw the books already issued to practitioners.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the fact that the only public official not receiving any War bonus is the registrar of births, deaths, etc., and that many boards of guardians have refused to give the gratuities recommended in his Circular No. 91, and as the receipts of many of these men (from fees fixed in 1836) have been greatly reduced by diminished births and deaths, the demolition of condemned areas, the increase cost of deputies and office expenses, he will state how and when these existing hardships will be remedied?

The circumstances to which the hon. and gallant Member refers, and which are fully present to my mind, can only be dealt with by legislation, and I regret that I cannot see my way to introduce any legislation on the subject in the near future. The question is, however, being considered, and I am receiving a deputation of registrars shortly with reference to it.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has received any protest from the medical profession in Lancashire with regard to the appointment of the superintendent of Prestwich Asylum, Manchester; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?

The Board of Control have received no official information of the appointment of a medical superintendent at Prestwich Mental Hospital, but they understand that an appointment, to which strong exception is taken, was made last week by the Lancashire Asylums Board. The appointment rests with that body alone, but the Board of Control in January last suggested that it would be of advantage if they were consulted in regard to it. I do not know why this advice has not been acted upon, but the Board of Control propose to make some inquiry about the appointment.

asked the Minister of Health if his Department are taking any special steps to develop maternity and child-welfare clinics so as to cope with and help to reduce the death roll of 10 per day occurring amongst women during pregnancy and child-birth?

I am well aware of the continued high rate of maternal mortality associated with child-birth, and under the Maternity and Child Welfare Act I am endeavouring to encourage the establishment and development of maternity and midwifery services (including ante-natal centres, maternity hospitals and the provision of midwives). I hope that by such means the present death rate will be progressively and substantially reduced.

asked the Minister of Health the annual cost per head for England and Wales of the inmates of Poor Law institutions, distinguishing between children's homes, infirmary, and other inmates, respectively?

The annual cost per head for the year ending 31st March, 1921, for England and Wales of the inmates of the several classes of Poor Law institutions was as follows: £ s. d. Homes for children 73 18 7 Poor Law infirmaries and other Poor Law institutions for persons suffering from infirmity of body or mind 148 12 1½ General Poor Law institutions 78 14 7½ All classes of Poor Law institutions 88 5 3¼

asked the Minister of Health the number of houses which have been sanctioned to date under the Housing (No. 2) Act; and also indicate the number which are of the parlour type?

Approvals have been given to date in respect of 21,052 houses. As local authorities are not required to submit plans and full details when an application for subsidy is made it is not possible to state the number of each type of house at the date of approval. Monthly returns of progress will, however, be obtained from local authorities, and these will show the numbers of non-parlour and parlour houses being erected under approved schemes.

asked the Minister of Health what is the approximate cost of each house erected during the last financial year under approved schemes; and what proportion of such cost is due to labour and material, respectively?

Information as to the final costs of houses erected during the last financial year is not available, but perhaps I may refer the hon. Member to the very full particulars which I gave in answer to questions by the hon. Member for Middlesbrough (Mr. T. Thomson) on the 16th and 23rd instant as to tender prices and estimates of the percentage which labour cost bears to that of materials.

asked the Home Secretary whether he would be prepared to grant a Return at convenient intervals showing the number of orders for ejectment made pursuant to the provisions of the new Rent Restrictions Act?

The Annual Judicial Statistics give the number of orders made at police courts and county courts for recovering possession of dwelling houses. My right hon. Friend will consider whether it is possible to supplement these in any way.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will make arrange- ments for the monthly publication in the "London Gazette" of all orders or judgments for the recovery of possession of dwelling-houses made in the county courts under the Rent and Mortgage Restriction Acts of 1920 and 1923?

I have been asked to reply. I have considered the suggestion of the hon. Member, and I am unable to accept it. The cost would be enormous, and I cannot see that any useful purpose would be served to justify the expense.

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many acres of land have gone out of cultivation during the last three years; in what parts of the country they are situated; in how many cases has his Department had to destroy weeds on land so neglected; and what has been the total cost of the work so done?

The annual agricultural returns indicate the decrease in the total area of land returned by occupiers as arable, permanent pasture or rough grazings, but do not differentiate between the area which has been taken over for building or other industrial objects, and the area which, owing to neglect or other reasons, has ceased to be used, but is still available for agricultural purposes. With regard to the remainder of the question, the only case where an agricultural committee has had to bear the expense of destroying weeds in consequence of an occupier failing to do so after being served with a statutory notice is that of Barton Stacey, Hampshire, with which case the hon. Member is familiar. The amount expended in that case was £214 and this sum has not yet been recovered. In one other case the Kent Agricultural Committee employed the adjoining occupiers as their agents for carrying out similar work, but the area concerned was small and the occupiers did it at their own expense.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware that the farmers who cultivate the adjoining land to that which has gone out of cultivation at Barton Stacey and Wonston, in Hampshire, are seriously talking of ceasing to cultivate their land owing to the trouble given by the weeds from the derelict land; and what he proposes to do in the matter?

I have no information as to the intentions of the farmers in question. As to the steps taken to deal with the matter, I must refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him. on the 25th July.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, before deciding to give assistance from public funds to farmers' co-operative societies and other agricultural co-operative associations, any comprehensive inquiry into the balance sheets of such organisations was made by competent accountants in order to ascertain whether this policy will lead to a loss of public money such as has occurred in other instances in which the State has financed business concerns in competition with private enterprise?

Before any loans are made to agricultural co-operative enterprises, the Ministry will obtain full information as to the financial position of the society, and it is proposed that the scheme shall contain provisions requiring periodical audit of the accounts and empowering the Ministry to examine the books of the society at any time.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware that many representatives appointed by his Ministry to the Various county and county borough councils' agricultural committees are not in a position to pay their travelling expenses, and consequently are unable to attend meetings; and, seeing that while travelling expenses were allowed, the services of these men and women were of great value to the agricultural interests in their respective areas, will he renew the provision for payment of travelling expenses under the powers given in the Act constituting his Ministry?

The payment by the Ministry of travelling expenses of members of county agricultural committees was abandoned in the interests of national economy, and until the financial situation greatly improves I am afraid it is not possible to press for the re-opening of this question.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the number of allotments existing on 30th June, 1923; and whether this total shows an increase or decrease AS compared with 31st December, 1922?

As I stated on the 2nd July last in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Barrow-in-Furness (Mr. D. Somerville), the last date up to which returns were obtainable as to the number of allotments in England and Wales was the 31st December, 1920. It is proposed to call for further returns at the end of the present year, but I am unable to give definite figures as to the number of allotments existing on the dates mentioned in the hon. Member's question.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has any information available in his Department with regard to the success or failure of agricultural cooperative associations in Australia, New Zealand, and Canada; if so, whether the evidence shows that such co-operative enterprises in many cases have led to losses of public money; and whether certain Australian co-operative societies have recently sold out to private companies?

My hon. Friend the Under-Secretary regrets that he has no official information on this subject at his disposal.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether, on the amalgamation of the Northern and Yorkshire regions, it is proposed to terminate the appointment of the regional awards officer, Northern region, an officer who lost a leg in the War and has given some six years' valuable and efficient service to the Ministry; whether it is proposed to appoint in his place a permanent civil servant who saw no service with the forces during the War; and, if so, whether he will reconsider the matter and recommend that the regional awards officer of the Northern region be made a permanent civil servant and retained in his present position?

The posts of regional awards officer, Northern and Yorkshire regions, will be combined, and it is proposed to appoint the regional awards officer, Yorkshire, who is a senior officer of great experience, to the new post, the duties of which will be considerably more onerous. The present regional awards officer, Northern region, will be appointed regional awards officer in another region if he does not prefer to stay in Newcastle as deputy-regional awards officer, and it is understood that he is quite content with this arrangement.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what is the name of the personal assistant to the Director of Civil Aviation; whether this gentleman ever served in a unit in His Majesty's forces during the Great War; how many of those employed by the Air Ministry served in His Majesty's forces during the Great War; and whether he will see that preference is given to ex-service men in his Department when they are as efficient as non-service men?

In reply to the first two parts of the question, the official referred to is Major H. Jones, who enlisted in the Royal Flying Corps in October, 1915, was posted to the War Office, was commissioned as second-lieutenant on the general list in March, 1918, and was subsequently appointed staff captain in the Royal Air Force for personnel duties. In reply to the third part of the question, 1,042 ex-service men were employed in the Air Ministry on 1st July, 1923. In reply to the last part of the question, my hon. Friend may rest assured that the fullest possible consideration is given to the just claims of ex-service men.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, seeing that it has hitherto been the recognised practice that an appointment in the Civil Service shall not be terminated except for misconduct or inefficiency, and that in those cases where an office has been abolished and the position filled becomes redundant, compensation for loss of salary has been paid in addition to pension, he will say why Captain R. W. Pinder, Royal Engineers, who in 1920 was offered and accepted a permanent post as staff officer at the Board of Trade, and who, in consequence of the representation made by the Board of Trade that this was a permanent appointment carrying rights to pensions and gratuities refused an offer of a post of £1,000 a year with his pre-War employers, Messrs. Elders and Fyffes, Limited, has received one month's notice to terminate his appointment in March last and has only been offered a gratuity of £263; and whether he will take action to ensure the retention of this officer in the Civil Service on a grade commensurate with that occupied by him on 31st March, 1923?

I have been asked to reply. Captain Pinder was engaged by the Board of Trade in 1920 because of his special knowledge of railway rates. In 1922 the duties of the Board of Trade in connection with railway rates were transferred to the Ministry of Transport, but that Department was unable to make use of the services of Captain Pinder, and no post requiring his special qualifications was available in any Department. Captain Pinder was aware of his redundancy for many months before the Board fixed the termination of his services on the scale of salary appropriate to the service he was engaged for, and offered him a post at a lower salary. Captain Pinder declined to accept the alternative post, and the Board then applied to the Treasury for the grant of the full amount of compensation for which he was eligible under the Superannuation Acts on abolition of office. Captain Pinder has been given a cheque for the sum due to him, and the question of his reinstatement in the Civil Service cannot be reopened.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether any established woman has, since the passing of the Sex Disqualification (Removal) Act, been retained in the Civil Service after marriage, under Proviso 3 of Part II of the Regulations made under the Order in Council of 22nd July, 1920?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will make a statement before the House rises as to the position of those women who were covered by the recent discussions on the starting pay of ex-temporary civil servants on establishment, but who were not covered by the terms of reference of the Southborough Committee?

I would refer to the answer given to the hon. Member for Lambeth North (Mr. Briant) on the 26th July.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that the official side of the Civil Service National Whitley Council Subcommittee, dealing with the case of the writing assistants, has declined to approve a suggested overriding minimum of 55s. per week on the ground that it is too high; whether the Treasury themselves have made any alternative proposal of an increase; and whether there is any possibility of an understanding being reached as to the extra remuneration of this poorly-paid class?

As explained in Debate yesterday, this question is still under consideration, and every reasonable effort will be made to reach a settlement.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the award given in the writing assistants' case?

This question is still under consideration.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, seeing that if salaried officers, temporary civil servants, had sat for examinations under the scheme of recruitment recommended by the Lytton Committee on the appointment of ex-service men to posts in the Civil Service they would have lost several hundred pounds a year salary and, in some instances, had to take posts under officers who had for some years been subordinate to them, he will consider the appointment of a percentage of the ex- service men holding higher-grade posts from the temporary position to that of permanent civil servants?

Large numbers of ex-service men have been appointed since the Armistice to higher posts in the Civil Service: Particulars are given in paragraph 23 of the Third Interim Report of the Lytton Committee, of the appointments made to the main classes up to the date of the Report. The Lytton Committee in this Report recommended further action to the same end, and these recommendations were adopted. In addition, a certain number of ex-service men appointed to the clerical class have since been promoted. As has been previously stated, it will be open to the Southborough Committee, which has been appointed to inquire into the action taken under the Lytton Reports, if, in their opinion, difficulties have arisen in the application of the recommendations, to suggest any modifications that may be desirable to give full effect to the policy of preferential treatment of ex-service men recommended by the Lytton Committee, and, in the circumstances, I do not think any useful purpose would be served by my making a statement on the matter at this stage.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is now in a position to furnish the following desired particulars as to Old Age Pensions, namely: particulars as to year ended 31st March, 1923; total amount paid in pensions; the total cost of administration; the total number of pensions actually payable on the first Friday in March, 1923, stating those of men and those for women, separately in both cases; the number of pensions paid at the varying rates of 10s., 9s., 8s., 7s., 6s., 5s., 4s., 3s., 2s., and 1s.; the number of applications for pensions; the number of applications rejected, giving various causes of rejection, age, poor relief, means, and other causes; the number of pensioners of whose deaths notifications have reached the office of the pension officers during the year ended as above, the number of paupers over 70 years of age in England, Scotland, and Wales, and in institutions, stating the average cost per head per annum; the number of paupers over 70 years of age in receipt of out-door relief, stating the average cost per head per annum of men and women, separately in both cases; the average weekly cost of a convict in penal servitude and prisoner in ordinary prisons for the year ended as above; and the number of persons over 70 years of age in prisons and penal servitude during the year ended as above?

The particulars desired by my hon. Friend, as far as they are available, are as follow: (The figures relating to old age pensions are for Great Britain, and are for the year ended 31st March, 1923.)

Old Age Pensions.

(1) Total amount paid in pensions (approximately):

£22,362,000.

(2) Total cost of administration: £ Expenses of Pensions Committees (approximately) 54,000 Expenses of administration by Government Departments concerned, estimated at 810,270

(See note to Estimates, Civil Service, Class 6, Vote 2, 1922–23.)

(3) Total number of pensions actually payable on the last Friday in March,1923: Men … … 315,778 Women … … 580,146 Total … … 895,924

(4) Number of pensions paid at the various rates (on last Friday in March, 1923): 834,883 at 10s. rate. 24,185 at 8s. rate. 16,105 at 6s. rate. 411 at 5s. rate. 12,494 at 4s. rate. 65 at 3s. rate. 6,237 at 2s. rate. 1,544 at 1s. rate. Total 895,924

(5) Number of applications for pensions:

167,384

(6) Number of applications rejected:

The only figures available are the combined figures of claims rejected and pensions revoked, which are as follows: Age … … 8,041 Poor relief … … 12,196 Means … … 12,838 Other causes … … 1,536

— Institutional Belief Domiciliary Relief Totals (i) Total number of persons (all ages) 224,719 1,222,689 1,447,408 (ii) Number of persons over 70 years of age ( included in (i) above ). 43,072 29,548 72,620 (iii) Number of old age pensioners ( included in (ii) above ). 3,025 27,577 30,602

Average Weekly Cost of Poor Law Relief in England and Wales in the Financial year, 1921–22. s. d. (i) Average cost of institutional relief (other than relief to lunatics in lunatic asylums) per person in receipt of such relief 31 0¾ (ii) Average cost of domiciliary relief per person in receipt of such relief 6 2½

These averages cover the same items and are subject to the same qualifications as those previously furnished for the year 1918–19 and earlier years and set out on page 148 of Part III of the

— Males. Females. Dependants. Total. SANE POOR:— In Poorhouses: Ordinary 6,982 4,193 573 11,748 Destitute Able-bodied Unemployed 102 14 14 130 Outdoor: Ordinary 12,554 29,053 47,326 88,933 Destitute Able-bodied Unemployed 36,687 7,140 103,463 147,290 OTHER THAN SANE POOR:— In Licensed Wards of Poorhouses and 553 569 — 1,112 Greenock Parochial Asylum. In Asylums 6,530 6,531 — 13,161 In Private Dwellings 1,158 1,411 — 2,569

(7) Number of pensioners of whose deaths information reached the pension officers:

89,267

(8) and (9) Paupers in Institutions and in Receipt of Out-door Relief.

(a) England and Wales:

Number of persons (other than lunatics in lunatic asylums) in receipt of Poor Law relief in England and Wales on the 1st January, 1923).

First Annual Report of the Minister of Health (Command Paper 932), except that, in view of the wide fluctuations of pauperism during the year, the figures have been calculated on the average weekly numbers in receipt of relief instead of on a mean of two dates (1st July and 1st January) as formerly. It has not been found practicable to give the average cost per head for men and women separately.

(b) Scotland:

The number of paupers and dependants of all classes in Scotland at 15th May, 1922, the latest date for which figures are available, was:

The average weekly cost of all sane paupers and dependants for 1921–22, on the basis of the number chargeable (other than destitute able-bodied) at 15th May, 1922, was: £ s. d. Indoor … … … 1 1 10 Outdoor … … … 6 10

These average costs are exclusive of general administrative charges. Indoor

— Males. females. Dependants. Total. 15th September, 1922:— In Poorhouses 1,208 1,042 10 2,260 Outdoor 1,191 2,972 261 4,424 15th January, 1923:— In Poorhouses 1,277 1,010 19 2,306 Outdoor 1,274 3,050 290 4,614

These outdoor poor include old age pensioners as follow: — Males. Females. Dependants. Total. At 15th September, 1922 … … … 827 2,108 178 3,113 At 15th January, 1923 … … … 942 2,248 219 3,409

There were also lunatic poor of 70 years of age and upwards who cannot be allocated between indoor and outdoor: — Males. Females. Total. At 15th September, 1922 … … … 401 737 1,138 At 15th January, 1923 … … … 417 743 1,160

(10) Cost of Maintenance of Convicts and Local Prisoners.

(a) England and Wales:

The latest available figures are for 1921–22, and they are as follows:

Convicts. Per week. £ s. d. Gross cost 2 14 7 Net cost, after deducting value of labour and incidental receipts 2 2 6

Local Prisoners. Per week. £ s. d. Gross cost 1 19 6 Net cost, after deducting value of labour and incidental receipts 1 10 5

cost includes cost of maintenance management, debt charges, etc., of poorhouses. Outdoor cost includes aliment, additional aliments ( e.g., clothing, boots, fuel, etc.), removals, interments, and medical charges.

The number of sane paupers and dependants in Scotland over 70 at 15th September, 1922, and 15th January, 1923, was:

(b) Scotland:

The latest available figures are for the year ended 31st december 1922,and are as follows: Per week. £ s. d. Convicts … … … 1 13 11 Prisoners … … … 1 7 1

(11) Persons over 70 years of age in Prison.

(a) England and Wales:

On the 30th April, 1923, there were in prison the following persons over 70 years of age: (i) Convicted prisoners: Convict Prisoners (12 male and 1 female) 13 Local prisoners (28 males and 9 females) 37 (ii) Unconvicted prisoners: Males 8

(b) Scotland:

During the year ended 31st March, 1923, 33 persons (28 males and 5 females) over 70 years of age were confined in Scottish prisons, of whom 26 males and 4 females were convicted. There was no person over 70 years of age in penal servitude.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, for the information of industrial assurance policyholders, he proposes to publish without delay the names of those collecting societies which have made the required deposit of £20,000; and whether, in view of the value of the official examination of the annual accounts of such societies, he will arrange for an early Report thereon to be made public each year?

Section 7 of the Industrial Assurance Act which requires the deposit of £20,000 to be made allows existing societies until the 1st January, 1924, to make the deposit. The Commissioner will issue a complete list of societies which make the deposit in his first Report early in 1924 under Section 44 of the Act. If before the publication of this Report anyone wishes to know whether any particular society has made the deposit, the information can be obtained from an inspection of the file of the society at the office of the Commissioner. The answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much gold has been recovered from the wreck of the "Laurentic"; and are salvage operations still proceeding?

Gold to the value of £3,817,232 has been salved to date. Operations are continuing.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the amount of taxa- tion per head of the population in Great Britain, Australia., Canada, and South Africa in the year 1913 and in the last financial year?

The figures are as follow: — 1913–14. 1922–23. United Kingdom … £3 11s. 4d. £17 12s.* Australia— Commonwealth … £3 8s. 1d. £8 10s. 5d. States … £1 5s. 11d. [£3 4s. 2d. 1921–22.] Canada— Dominion … $16.60 $36.80 Provinces … $2.41† [$5.40† 1920.] South Africa— Union … £1 9s. £3 9s. 11d. Provinces … 4s. 9d. 11s. 9d.‡ * Great Britain and Northern Ireland. † Approximate. ‡ Estimated.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that there is great indignation amongst the supervising staff in the telegraph department at Manchester owing to the passing over of officers for promotion; whether he is aware of the fact that a considerable number of officers were passed over in the early part of last year; and whether, in view of the fact that the supervising staff fear there is about to be a repetition, he will cause a searching inquiry to be made into the; methods of selection, employed at Manchester?

I am aware of the circumstances to which the hon. Member refers. Under the Post Office Regulations, the officer selected for promotion should be the best qualified of those eligible, and this may, on occasion, involve the passing over of officers, some of whom, although qualified, are not so well qualified as the officer selected. The recommendations in every case of promotion are carefully scrutinised at headquarters, and detailed inquiries are made in any case of doubt. I can find no adequate grounds for taking exceptional action in the case of" Manchester.

asked the Postmaster-General whether his Department has any arrangement with foreign post offices by which the delivery of registered or insured parcels despatched to addresses in foreign countries can be traced and the receipt by the consignees certified?

Except in a few unimportant services certificates of the delivery of insured parcels despatched abroad can be obtained by the senders on payment of a fee of 3d. There is no system of registration as distinct from insurance in the foreign and Colonial parcel services.

asked the Postmaster-General how many meetings the Post Office Advisory Committee holds each year and the date of its last meeting?

A varying number of meetings of the Post Office Advisory Council are held each year as occasion demands. The last meeting of the Council took place on 16th May of this year.

asked the Solicitor-General for Scotland if he is aware that the Registrar-General for Scotland has compiled and recently issued to local registrars in Scotland a list of denominations whose ministers are to be regarded as entitled to sign Schedules of Marriage (C) from which the name of the spiritualist denomination has been omitted; will he state the reasons for this omission; and is he prepared to take such steps as will ensure that in the administration of the law in Scotland members of the spiritualist denomination are placed on an equality with those of other religious bodies?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. No such list has been compiled or issued to local registrars. I understand, however, that the Registrar-General recently informed a local registrar that he was unable to approve the acceptance of a marriage schedule signed by an official of the spiritualist body. The Schedule in question can be signed only by a person entitled, according to the Statute regulating the matter, to celebrate a regular marriage and the Registrar-General was of opinion that officials of the spiritualist body are not so entitled. The question is one of law which can be finally determined only in the Courts.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health whether steps will be taken to fill the vacant office of curator of the Historical Department of the Register House in Edinburgh; and whether the office of assistant curator, which has been vacant since May, 1916, will also be filled up?

The office of curator has been filled. For the reasons stated in reply to a question by the hon. Member for Govan (Mr. Maclean) on the 27th February, it is not proposed to fill the assistant curatorship.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health how many small holdings have been established in Kinross and West Perth, respectively, since 1918; what progress, if any, has been made in establishing small holdings near Dunblane; and how many men are expected to be settled there?

Since 1918 one new holder has been settled with the assistance of the Board of Agriculture in West Perth; no new holdings have been constituted in Kinross. A scheme which provides for the constitution of eight new holdings on the farm of Lower Auchinlay near Dunblane is in progress.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health the number of small holdings in Roxburghshire and Selkirkshire; whether any such small holdings are suitable for sheep farming; and whether, in view of the existing urgent demand for settlement on the land, any endeavour is being made to secure further land in these districts for the purpose?

The number of small holdings of between one and 50 acres in the counties of Roxburgh and Selkirk respectively are 550 and 90. These figures are derived from the annual agricultural returns. I am unable without special investigation to say how many of these holdings are devoted to or suitable for sheep farming. The question of securing further land in these districts is being considered by the Board of Agriculture with reference to the existing applications.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health whether the representation of the local authorities for Scotland on the Departmental Committee dealing with the supplies of building materials can be reconsidered, seeing that with the exception of one official of the Scottish Board of Health the present Committee consists of English representatives?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on 24th July to the question on this subject addressed to me by the hon. and learned Member for East Fife (Mr. Millar). It is not proposed to press for further specific representation of Scottish interests on the Committee and no request that this should be done has been made to the Board by Scottish local authorities.

Local Office. 30th July, 1920. 23rd July, 1923. Men. Boys. Women Girls. Total. Men. Boys. Women. Girls. Total. Batley … … 54 5 40 4 103 435 5 233 13 686 Dewsbury … … 116 11 2 14 143 871 16 220 22 1,129 Morley … … 61 8 34 6 109 781 7 488 45 1,321 Ossett … … 11 — 1 — 12 275 4 140 15 434

I would point out that, as the hon. Member is no doubt aware, the extended unemployment scheme was not in force in July, 1920, and no accurate comparison can, therefore, be made between the figures for the two dates.